Importing Personal Effects into Ghana: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2023 · Download the Ghana Import Guide (PDF)

Personal effects

• Requirement for Citizens:
• Original Passport
• PUBD
• Ghana card/citizen card
• Boarding pass
• Airline ticket
• Covid-19 test result at Kotoka
• Packing list
• BL/AWB
• Requirement for Non-citizen UAB:
• Original Passport
• PUBD
• Non-citizen card
• Boarding pass
• Airline ticket
• Covid-19 test result at Kotoka
• Packing list
• AWB
• Requirement for Non-citizen:
• Copy passport data page
• Non-citizen card
• Packing list
• Invoice
• BL
• POV
• Invoice
• Title
• BL

• In general, normal used household goods are exempt from import duty and tax (VAT). However, these may be applied to multiples of the same appliance or item e.g., second or third televisions or to items believed to be in commercial quantities or 'luxury items' such as gym equipment.
• Customs no longer grants exemption to nondiplomats & non-citizens who are importing their belongings for personal use.
• Shippers are required to pay any customs duties charged before release of their shipment. Any delay in payment may result in extra charges for storage and handling.
• Levies:
• All non-diplomatic shipments are subject to customs levies. These are calculated by customs officials based on the CIF value of the shipment. They are approximately 5% of the CIF value.
• Shippers are required to pay the levies charged before release of their shipment. Any delay in payment may result in extra charges for storage and handling.

• To qualify for exemption all necessary import documentation will be required including, but not limited to, the shipper’s original passport and Passenger Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration (PUBD) completed at the airport customs hall on arrival in Ghana.
• Returning Ghanaians must have been away from Ghana for over one year.
• Import duty and taxes will be applied to new items.
• A commercial item used/new e.g. Printer among other personal effects will be dutiable
• Used or second-hand mattresses are prohibited to import.

Diplomats

• Exemption
• BOE
• Packing list
• Stamped BL
• Copy of Bio data page of passport

• Diplomatic shipments may be imported without any customs duties, taxes or levies provided exemption has been granted by the Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• There are Levies charges on diplomatic shipment now which happens to be the (GHS Disinfection fee)

• Only the Mission or exempt organisation can apply for this exemption, and this can take some time to obtain.
• The destination agent green light should be awaited before the shipments are dispatched otherwise airport or port penalties might be incurred.

Food, Beverages, Alcohol and Pantry Items

• One-month supply for one family is usually accepted as a reasonable quantity to be exempted from import duty. It is however to be noted that the application of import duties is at the discretion of the customs officer.

• Duty is paid on Alcohol

New articles

• The packing must clearly indicate if the items are new or used.
• A commercial invoice should be provided for all new items.
• Inaccurate declarations may lead customs penalties and amendment to our clearing declaration, which could lead to delays and
• extra charges for storage, handling and demurrage.

Electronic appliances

• All electronic appliances should be described on the packing list detailing brand, model, serial number and working condition.
• The importation of all used refrigerators and freezers (and refrigerants) has been prohibited.

• There would be Ghana Standard Authority inspection and charge a fee for registration

Restricted goods

• rough or uncut diamonds
• imitation money
• goods imported contrary to customs laws
• goods regulated by any law
• gambling machines
• plant, plant product, plant disease or pest
• soil, manure, grass and other material likely to harbour dangerous disease or pests of plants,
• explosives, arms and ammunition, handcuffs
• machines for duplicating keys
• nets and traps for animals
• airmail printing paper
• reel-fed rotary ticket printing press
• spirits
• weapons for discharge of noxious liquids and mercury

Prohibited goods include

• animals and carcasses infected with disease
• beads of inflammable celluloid
• coffee (raw)
• coins not up to standard
• contaminated food
• knuckle dusters
• defamatory, scandalous or demoralising literature
• base or counterfeit money
• obscene articles
• dangerous weapons
• goods prohibited by any law in Ghana.

Exporting Personal Effects from Ghana: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2023 · Download the Ghana Export Guide (PDF)

Personal Effects

• Copy of Bio-data page of passport
• Letter of introduction on organizational letter
• Packing List
• Bl/AWB
• Protection Cover/ Waiver

• After packing P/E, a container is released for loading and sent to the Wharf.
• A customs BOE is put in for customs inspection and release.
• Terminal charges are paid and container left for targeted vessel to load and set sail.

• Customs charges levies on export BOE and Container disinfection fee.

Ghana Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Ghana Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of valid passport with entry visa
• Packing list
• Original bill of lading (OBL), no express release / air waybill (AWB)
• Detailed valued inventory in English, signed and dated by the owner of the goods
• Letter from the employer stating the client is starting a new contract in Ghana
• PUBD form (Personal Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration), to be filled out at the airport of arrival. Failure to complete this form will attract heavy penalties and delays in customs clearance.
• Invoice for electrical and hi-fi appliances and for all items purchased less than 6 months before the shipment's arrival

Specific Information

PUBD form is critical: The Personal Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration must be completed at the airport when the owner first arrives in Ghana. This form is presented to customs when clearing the household goods shipment. Without it, the shipment faces heavy penalties and significant delays. Movers must advise clients to complete this form upon arrival even if their shipment is weeks or months away.

Diplomatic shipments: Require the exemption certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Original documents (including the original AWB) must be provided to the agent at least 14 days before the shipment's arrival. The OBL/AWB must be marked "Diplomatic shipment."

Document lead time: Agents must have all customs documents at least 15 days before the shipment's arrival in Ghana.

ECOWAS membership: Ghana is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Common External Tariff (CET) applies to imports from outside the ECOWAS zone.

Currency: Ghanaian cedi (GHS).

Language: English is the official language. All documents should be in English.

ISPM 15: Wood packaging materials should comply with ISPM 15 standards.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions: Diplomatic shipments can be imported duty-free with the appropriate exemption certificate. For non-diplomatic shipments, duties may apply depending on the goods. Contact the destination agent for current duty-free eligibility and requirements for private individuals and corporate transferees.

VAT: Ghana's standard VAT rate is 15% (the Ghana Revenue Authority applies this to dutiable imports). Additional levies may apply.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Used refrigerators, used air conditioners, and used deep freezers (regardless of the owner's status -- this is strictly enforced and catches many relocating families off guard)
• Unlawful drugs and narcotics
• Foreign cigarettes without health warning notice
• Mercuric medicated soap
• Toxic waste and contaminated goods
• Animals, plants, and seeds infected with disease
• Foreign soil
• Pornographic, defamatory, or obscene articles and publications
• Dangerous weapons (including flick knives and paper knives)
• Firearms and ammunition without authorization (PERMIT REQUIRED)
• Protected species products (CITES)

Alcohol within shipments: "Fond de Cave" (personal wine collection) is acceptable and duty-free, maximum 20 bottles.

Alcohol in personal luggage: Maximum 10 bottles. Duties levied on the excess.

Tobacco (traveller allowance per VisaHQ): 400 cigarettes OR 1 pound (approximately 450 grams) of tobacco.

Firearms and ammunition: Authorization from the territorial administration required.

Rough or uncut diamonds: License from the Ministry of Finance required.

Live plants and plant products: Permit from the Ministry of Agriculture required.

Poultry products: Permission from the Ministries of Trade and Agriculture required for imports from certain countries. Contact the destination agent for specifics.

Currency limits: Maximum GHS 1,000 in local currency can be exported. Maximum USD 5,000 equivalent in foreign currency can be exported without declaration.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air and sea shipments.

PUBD form: This is the single most important procedural step for any shipment to Ghana. The owner MUST complete the Personal Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration at the airport when they first arrive in Ghana. Without this form, customs clearance faces heavy penalties and delays. Movers should provide written instructions to the client about this requirement well before travel.

Document lead time: All customs documents must reach the destination agent at least 15 days before the shipment arrives. For diplomatic shipments, original documents (including original AWB) are required 14 days before arrival.

Port of entry: Tema port (near Accra) is the primary sea freight port. Kotoka International Airport in Accra handles air freight. Takoradi port handles some cargo in the western region.

Used appliance prohibition: The ban on used refrigerators, air conditioners, and deep freezers is frequently overlooked. These items must be removed from shipments before export, or they will be confiscated at customs. This applies to everyone, including diplomats.

Inventory requirements: Detailed valued inventory in English, signed and dated by the owner. Items purchased less than 6 months before the shipment require original invoices.